Rawalpindi, Friday 29 November 2024: PODA conducted two engaging sessions on life-based skills education for more than 60 girl and boy students of The Basic School in a low-to-middle-income locality. Through interactive parallel sessions in two separate classrooms, PODA empowered the students with confidence-building strategies, emphasizing the significance of education and essential skills for economic empowerment. By imparting these valuable skills, PODA aims to enable these young girls to play a vital role in the country’s progress. These activities were part of the ongoing 16-Days of Activism Campaign against Gender-Based Violence which is being observed from 25 November to 10 December.

As part of its 3-year project, “Reduce Early Marriages to Enhance Gender Equality,” supported by the Norwegian Embassy, Islamabad, PODA is working tirelessly to eradicate early marriages and promote gender equality across 41 districts of Punjab.

Renowned Supreme Court Advocate, Ms. Hifza Bukhari, delivered an inspiring talk, sharing her personal journey and highlighting the significance of pursuing a career in law. She offered valuable insights and practical advice on becoming a lawyer, emphasizing the vital role lawyers play in upholding justice, and active citizenship. The session motivated the girls to consider a career in law.

Ms. Sadia Jamil, Vice Principal of the school, expressed her appreciation for PODA’s efforts and noted that such sessions would empower girl students, enabling them to create a positive impact in their communities. The second activity, a drawing competition, was part of the ongoing 16 Days of Activism Campaign against Gender-Based Violence. It meant to educate students about their rights and strategies to protect themselves from harassment and violence. Under the guidance of PODA’s Project Manager, Nabeela Aslam, the activity informed students about their fundamental human and constitutional rights.